FitSugar

Make the Most of Your Metabolism

FitSugar — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 02:00:00 -0700

Most of what controls your metabolism is not under your control, some folks have fast metabolisms and others have slow ones. Also, as we age our metabolism slows down. Scientists have estimated that metabolism slows about 5 percent per decade, beginning at age 40 as we lose muscle mass and increase body fat. Muscle burns more calories than fat, so when you lose muscle mass your caloric needs decrease. Luckily you are not completely at the mercy of your genetics - There are a few things you can do to keep your metabolism up.

Basically, metabolism is the total of all body processes that burn calories - your basal metabolic rate (calories burned by simply being alive) plus your activity factor since we all know that exercise burns calories.

The basal metabolic rate includes the energy we need for body processes, including digestion. About 10 percent of our calories are used to process the food we eat. This phenomenon, known as the thermic effect of food, is influenced by how much, how often and what we eat. In addition, food can directly affect metabolism by altering the way the body functions, which changes the amount of energy it needs.

According to Joy Bauer, nutritionist and author of the book Food Cures, there are ways to maximize your metabolism. Curious to know what they are? Then read more

Eat at least 1,000 calories per day (I would say 1,200 calories, myself). Although it is generally true that eating a low-calorie diet will help you take off weight, if you eat too few calories, your metabolism will get slower and slower as it tries to conserve energy. As your metabolism crashes, the weight you take off will most likely creep back on over time. Plus, you'll be more likely to binge on junk food if you reduce your calories by too much.
Eat every four to five hours. A regular meal schedule helps keep your body working to digest and absorb foods. Between breakfast and bed, aim to eat a meal or snack every four to five hours. Try to eat breakfast within 90 minutes of rising - People who regularly eat a healthy breakfast are more likely to control their weight. If you wait to eat until you're ravenous, you're more likely to overeat later in the day. Also, breakfast helps fire up your metabolism after a full night on a slow simmer.
Eat protein with every meal. All foods contribute to the thermic effect, which means that all foods – carbohydrates, fats and proteins – help to give metabolism a gentle nudge higher when we eat them, but protein has the greatest thermic effect of all. In addition, protein can increase metabolism by helping to maintain and build muscle mass.

Source

How to Make the Most of Your Lunchtime Workout

FitSugar — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 11:45:00 -0700

Fitting a regular workout into an already busy routine of carpools, work, errands, etc. can be tough. This is why so many folks opt for the lunch time workout. Not that squeezing in a workout and a meal in an hour is an easy thing to do.

Here are a few ideas on how to optimize your meal post workout:

Make sure you replenish your fluids post workout. The water cooler is your friend on the days you workout at lunch. Don't let yourself get dehydrated since a brain in need of water doesn't think so clearly. Plus, dehydrated muscles don't recover as well. Good for the body and good for the mind.
Fruits and soups can help re-hydrate your system - just make sure the sodium content of the soup is not through the roof.
Prepare a healthy lunch the night before and make sure your lunch packs a nutritional punch, as they say, including carbs and protein.
If you are bringing a salad add some grilled chicken or a hard boiled egg to your greens. You don't need much protein after your lunch workout, so there is no need to protein load after a 30 to 45 minute workout.
For carbs, choose whole grain breads or nuts over a powdered sugar donut. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends refueling muscles with 30 to 60 grams of carbohydrate in the first 30 minutes after an hour long workout. This helps the muscles recover and replenish quickly.

These tips should prevent the urge to eat your lunch while you exercise since we know that is just NOT necessary.

Source

Rewind: This Week's Buzz

BuzzSugar — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 07:00:52 -0700

In honor of the release of The Bounty Hunter, test your Jennifer Aniston IQ.
Word on the street is that Summit is trying to get a big-name director for Breaking Dawn. As we wait for the final verdict, here's how five of Hollywood's most prestigious filmmakers would tackle the project.
Even if you don't agree with her antics, Tinsley Mortimer makes for a good interview.
Before Glee goes on a nationwide search for new talent, here are a few former Idol contestants who would be perfect as gleeks. Perhaps some fresh blood could protect the show from burnout.
The badass ladies of The Runaways reminded me of some of my other favorite rebellious teens. Plus, check out a chat with the original herself: Joan Jett!
Ever wonder what the cast of 90210 is like when they're not shooting? Tristan Wilds (aka Dixon) gave me the scoop.
Can't wait a second longer for the New Moon DVD? Here are some bonus features including new footage from Eclipse!
Bored with the box office's latest offerings? There's hope! Check out hot new trailers featuring Josh Duhamel in The Romantics, Jennifer Aniston in The Switch, Julia Roberts in Eat, Pray, Love, Adrien Brody in Predators, and Carey Mulligan in The Greatest.
St. Patrick's Day may be over, but gear up for next year with these 5 fun films set in Ireland.

Exfoliation 101: What You Need to Know

BellaSugar — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 12:00:48 -0700

Earlier this month, facialist Marc Edward told us that scrubs actually make your skin worse. Exfoliation, though, is important for keeping your skin clear, your pores small, and your cell turnover high. So what's a woman to do? There are actually tons of different ways to slough skin gently and effectively, and different varieties work for different ages and skin types. To get the lowdown on what different exfoliants do and to find out which one is the best match for your needs, just keep reading.

Feast on These Savory Sights

YumSugar — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 10:50:05 -0700

Have you checked out the Savory Sights group in the YumSugar Community yet? It's your place to find the most enticing food photos. You can browse readers' images for inspiration or show off your own culinary expertise by uploading images of your favorite recipes.

Not too long ago, sabs got together with friends to make takoyaki, or Japanese dumplings stuffed with octopus. She didn't have the fancy machine required to make them - but luckily, she knew someone who did!

Below are a few more of our community's most mouthwatering dishes. To drool over everything from Coquille St. Jacques to polenta pizza, check out the best of Savory Sights now!

View 10 Photos ›

Patrick Dempsey and Jeremy Renner Take a Little Time For Charity

PopSugar — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 12:30:00 -0700

John Mayer took the stage in LA last night for a Haiti relief show at Fleur de Lys. Joining him were Patrick Dempsey and Jeremy Renner, who looked right at home on the red carpet after making the rounds throughout award season on behalf of The Hurt Locker. Patrick has managed to continue looking amazing since his days of being a young actor - though he's currently losing to Matt Dillon in the first round of our heartthrob bracket! Jeremy's fame is a little more recent, but he's finding himself to be one of Hollywood's most in-demand stars. The latest rumors have him linked to director Paul Thomas Anderson, who's trying to put together a film on Scientology.

For more photos from the event, just read more.

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Celebrity Trainer Harley Pasternak Dishes About Food

FitSugar — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 05:50:18 -0700

Harley Pasternak says that if you follow his 5 Factor diet, you will see results. First, eat five times a day: two meals and three snacks. Next, everything you eat should have five components: lean protein, low glycemic carbs, healthy fats, fiber, and a sugar-free beverage. And to keep it real, there's a cheat day once a week.

The in-demand trainer recently came out with a new book - the 5 Factor World Diet - that draws on lessons learned from constant travel. Harley selected 10 countries with the lowest obesity rates and highest life expectancies and studied what they eat, how they eat, and how they burn it off. Although busy bopping between clients, Harley took some time out of his day to talk all things food: what you should be eating, why fresh food isn't always better, and yes, even he has a cheat food.

To see the interview, read more.

FitSugar: Your latest book, The 5 Factor World Diet, is based on the insights you’ve gained while traveling. What are some healthy eating tips you’ve picked up from other countries?
Harley Pasternak: I saw a lot of fish - not beef - in the healthiest countries, and whole grains, vegetable, and whole soy - especially in Okinawa where everyone is 100 years old. In Sweden, sandwiches are made with one piece of bread, not two - it’s always always an open-faced sandwich. Physical activity is very much tied to meals too. In Italy they have something called a "pasa giatta," and when the meal ends they all get up and go for a walk together. And in other parts of the world they go grocery shopping every day, so you’re basically burning off half the meal to pick up ingredients, and when you’re preparing your food, you have more control over what you put into it.

FS: What advice do you have for people who can’t walk to pick up fresh food because the nearest market is 30 miles away?
HP: I’m a big fan of frozen food and canned food. I know that’s not what we’re used to hearing but frozen and canned food can be as healthy, if not healthier than fresh counterpart options. Fresh produce is not the end-all be-all - when I make smoothies I almost always use frozen fruits, and when I make soups I often use frozen vegetables. You can use canned beans and frozen vegetables for dips as well. Also, don’t be afraid of canned fish, canned salmon, canned tuna, and frozen seafood like shrimp cocktail. It’s another great way to get seafood into your diet, if you can't get fresh.

FS: What are some of your favorite meals from the 5 Factor World Diet?
HP: Gosh, there are so many. As I wrote the World Diet book, I was looking abroad for some good fiber recipes and fell in love with Japanese food like soba noodles. I also love the idea of ceviche. Going to Spain and learning to make ceviche was great. It's absolutely foolproof, even for someone who has no idea how to cook.

FS: What about snacks - especially when you’re on the go?
HP: Snacks - as should a meal - [should] have a lowfat protein and a fibrous carbohydrate. I tell my clients to grab some plain nonfat Greek yogurt and some frozen berries and mix that together. Soy snacks are great too: edamame, Soy Joy bars, and soy milk are all great. I often make a dip out of nonfat Greek yogurt and natural peanut butter for protein and calcium. It’s 1:2 ratio of peanut butter to yogurt and it’s delicious with apples or pears.

FS: Now that you’ve brought up fruit, one of our readers wants to know why there are no grapes or bananas on the 5-Factor Diet?
HP: No one is going to live a shorter life if they have bananas or grapes, however there are much, much healthier fruits. I try and tell my clients to choose those fruits over others. I tell my clients to stick to fruits that either have edible skin, edible seeds, or citrus - bananas do not have edible skin, nor do they have edible seeds really, nor is it citrus. Most of the fiber and nutrients that are in a fruit are in a fruit’s skin. A banana is just the densest piece of fruit that you can put in your body, and since it doesn’t have fiber, it won’t keep you full. It’s kind of a shame to have a fruit with no fiber.

Grapes are an exception to the rule because they have a special sugar in them called dextrose, which is the highest glycemic sugar that you can possibly put in your body. They actually make grape pills for diabetics so that they don’t become low.

FS: Are there any foods that you think people should avoid, even on their cheat days?
HP: Absolutely no, not at all. Life is short and you have to enjoy it, and you should indulge when it’s time to indulge. At some point, I think everyone should eat everything at least once.

FS: And what’s your cheat food?
HP: My cheat food? That’s easy, it’s chocolate chip cookies. I’m the biggest chocolate chip cookie freak in the world.

FS: And do you give yourself some cookies every week?
HP: At least every week.

To get a taste of Harley's diet, try his recipe for five-spice halibut. It's tasty and easy to make.

Greenberg: A Harsh Look Under a Magnifying Glass

BuzzSugar — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 08:30:00 -0700

It always feels slightly off when a comic actor takes on a serious role. Not that Ben Stiller hasn't proven his flexibility with fare like Reality Bites or Friends & Neighbors, but never before has he seemed so straight-faced, vulnerable, and well, depressing, as he does in Noah Baumbach's latest Greenberg. In fact, it took a few scenes for me to settle in to Stiller as Roger, a 40-year old with severe social and mental anxiety. His face is tired, there's no sense of a smirk - even Stiller's gray hair is on display (Derek Zoolander would not be pleased).

The film follows Roger as he returns from a recent institutional visit (due to a nervous breakdown) to house-sit for his brother Phillip (Chris Messina). He spends his days writing angry letters to Starbucks and Mayor Bloomberg, and looks on as neighbors play in the backyard pool, afraid of human contact. The only lifeline Roger actually makes is the family's personal assistant, Florence (Greta Gerwig) and their German shepherd.

Almost immediately, Florence and Roger hop into a bumbling courtship. Roger seems drawn to her mid-twenties youth; Florence, in turn, is grappling with quarterlife uncertainty about life, and in Roger she sees someone much older who hasn't figured it all out either. It seems feasible that they'd get together, but not quite as likely that she'd put up with him. Basically, Roger is a very unlikeable guy, and like most Baumbach movies, his human flaws are both intriguing - and painful - to watch.

To see what I mean, read more.

Through interactions with his ex Beth (Baumbach's wife and muse Jennifer Jason Leigh) and longtime friend Ivan (a great Rhys Ifans), we learn that Roger has always been motivated by selfish reasons. In his earlier days, he had a band with Ivan, which he single-handedly ruined after refusing to agree to a contract. As such, Roger still doesn't want to commit to anything. It's an issue which is further brought to light as Florence suggests that he be her boyfriend. He handles the situation by doing what any self-involved person might - he snaps at her. Not once, but many times. Unable to hang around Florence or people his own age, Roger instead turns to his niece's teenage friends, doing coke like it's the eighties and rambling on about olden days. Will he ever get a reality check?

Oh, it comes. But not quite with the clearly-defined resolution that you might hope for.

Stiller is great in the role, portraying Roger with a subtle touch. But perhaps his performance is overshadowed by just how much you want to shake Roger. Instead, I'd argue that the film actually belongs to Gerwig. How refreshing to watch an actress who looks and acts like a regular woman, and as Florence, she evokes that somewhat-needy, twenty-something girl that we all know and love despite her questionable choices. Florence is the heart of the film, and as such, she keeps it from completely succumbing to the doldrums. Be warned though, there are no laughs or real sweetness here. You'll likely find yourself feeling mixed about Roger and the film, because frankly, they're both downers. But as character self-examination goes, Greenberg still makes for an interesting study.

If you'd like to review a movie you've seen recently, check out the Movie Reviews Group in community. I may even feature your critique on the site!

Photos courtesy of Focus Features

The Office, "New Leads": Best Lines of the Night and Video!

BuzzSugar — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:30:00 -0700

The sales guys at Dunder Mifflin have let their positions go to their heads on this week's The Office, and the rest of the staff (especially Michael) is not too pleased. Jim is on his BlackBerry, Andy has a Bluetooth - so wait, Michael Scott's employees actually work? What happened to our loveable goof-offs?! No sign of them here, as everyone appears to be running off dollar signs.

So how do you rein in a spoiled child? Michael's theory is to withhold (read: literally hide, as in a scavenger hunt) expensive sales leads to regain his authority - which, of course, goes wrong. The episode has a few funny exchanges worth mentioning, although overall, I found the storyline to just be okay. Check out the quotes I liked, and then add your favorites in the comments!

Michael: "Screw you, Halpert. You know, it's not easy getting excited about stuff. You know how you felt when you thought you had seen Roger Clemens."
Jim: "At the Yankees game, yeah."
Michael: "Well, it wasn't him."
Jim: "I have better reason to believe that...you're right. You're right. Well, you're not right, because Johnny Depp in your condo complex?"
Michael: "I know. It also explains why the name on his mailbox was M. Shyamalan."
Jim: "M. Night Shymalan?"
Michael thinks he sees Johnny Depp in his apartment complex - which is, of course, ridiculous, as Jim is the first to point out. Really, Michael, Johnny Depp? Jim is usually right about most things, so perhaps you want to believe him on this one.

For more fun lines, read more.

"Salesman is king. As the best salesman, I am king of kings. Oh, you say Jesus is king of kings. Well, what does that say to you about how I think about myself?"-Dwight
Dwight will stop at nothing to get his hands on the expensive sales leads, even if it means, say, going to the landfill to search for a needle in a haystack (the so-called "needle" being one lead's info). I have to say that the fake green screen/backdrop for the landfill is incredibly obvious, but I was still entertained by watching Michael and Dwight get into a lovers' quarrel, which doesn't happen every day. Even watching them kick around the giant-sized spool was worth a chuckle or two.
Kelly: "You know, maybe if the salesmen weren't acting like a bunch of stuck up losers, maybe this day wouldn't be so bad. Did you ever think of that?"
Jim: "I have new baby pictures."
Kelly: "Don't use your cute baby to make us like you."
Jim: "She was wearing a onesie."
Jim tries to ease relations between his sales side and the rest of the office (in this case, Kelly and Oscar), but it appears the damage has already been done. Don't you hate it when people use their child against you? Evil, Jim. Not that Jim is totally to blame; I'd bet that onesie is pretty cute.
Michael: "You know what I should have been doing? I should have been out at bars, finding my soulmate, finding my wife, making babies."
Dwight: "Nice babies you're making with the floosies at the bars."
Michael: "That's my wife you're talking about, man!"
Dwight: "Your made-up wife who doesn't exist?"
The verbal brawl between Dwight and Michael at the dumpster continues, with Michael coming up with excuses for why he hasn't settled down yet. The two eventually make up (thanks in part to a giant old beanbag chair), but the whole back-and-forth raised a semi-interesting point - will Michael ever get married? What do you think?

Here's the video of their argument, so you can enjoy it a second time:

What did you think of this episode? Did I miss any lines that you particularly enjoyed? Tell me in the comments, or head on over to The Office! group in the BuzzSugar Community to chat some more.

Photos and video courtesy of NBC

Interview With Nancy Kanter: Mom in Charge of Playhouse Disney Programming

LilSugar — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:00:50 -0700

When your child sits down to watch Playhouse Disney, you aren't the only mother in the room. Behind the screen, the script, and the concept, there's Nancy Kanter, Senior Vice President of Playhouse Disney Worldwide and mom of three. Though her children are grown, the television exec still has babies she nurtures from concept to creation - shows like Handy Manny, Little Einsteins and Imagination Movers. It's an exhaustive process that involves educational, curriculum and cultural consultants, focus groups of moms and children, research, feedback and reworking. Each social message and its delivery is carefully crafted since youngsters are likely to replicate what they watch in the real world. The Mouse doesn't just put things on air. We recently had the chance to chat with Nancy via phone.

LilSugar: Your job is in television, but you are also a mother. What's an acceptable amount of TV?
Nancy Kanter: It's always about the balance in your life and your activities with your kids. I don't think anybody would advocate that you put your kid in front of the television for endless hours on any given day. It's a family decision. There's no magic number. We target preschoolers children two to six on Playhouse Disney. Often our programming is the first TV experience that kids have. We are thrilled with parents that pay attention to what their kids are watching, and it's our responsibility to give them really well conceived, entertaining shows. And, in the preschool world to give them something that is of value developmentally.

LilSugar: What is the time from concept to airing a show?
Nancy Kanter: It can certainly vary depending on how well the initial stage of developments go, but it's usually between a year and a year and a half in development before we say this is in good enough shape to go ahead and make a pilot and present it. From the pilot stage to finally hitting the air, that's usually a year and a half to two years.

To see what Nancy said sets Disney programming apart and if there will ever be a collaboration with Sesame Street, read more.

LilSugar: What sets Disney programming apart from that of competitors?
Nancy Kanter: Disney is recognized and has certainly made a legacy out of strong storytelling, very strong, engaging and lasting characters, and that is something that we do outstandingly well and that we try to bring to every project. It's hard because of the expectation - if something has the Disney name on it, you're expecting something very special in the same way that families save up all year to be able to go to the theme parks. You walk through those gates, and you feel like you've entered something very unique and magical. That is what the Disney brand is about so we try and bring that to our stories and our series, and we do that in a way that is sometimes a bit different than anybody else. We also know for this age group, the learning piece is very important. We try to leave that in a way that feels very organic and a part of the entertainment rather than something that pops out and isn't part of the core.

LilSugar: You have history (as an executive producer) with Sesame Street. These days, every big name like Michelle Obama is making their way there. Will a Disney character ever be a guest star?
Nancy Kanter: Most of our Disney characters are animated so it's a little hard to travel them to the live action world of Sesame Street. And, they've never asked. If they do, we'll have to think about it.